צֹפִים
𐤑𐤐𐤉𐤌
Tsôphîym
H6839 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
The plural form of the active participle 'watchers,' referring to individuals who stand guard or keep lookout, and as a proper place name, designating the location 'Zophim.' In its general sense, it indicates persons who are stationed to observe, surveil, or keep watch, often associated with vigilance on a height or lookout point. As a geographical term, it refers to a location named for its function or topography—likely a place of vantage.
Semantic Range
watchers, lookouts, sentinels; Zophim (a place name; likely 'lookout point' or 'heights of observation')
Root / Etymology
From the root צפה (ts-p-h), meaning 'to look out, watch, keep lookout.' The participial form צֹפִים denotes 'ones who watch, lookouts, observers.' As a place name, it is most likely descriptive, indicating a site used for observation or surveillance.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In Biblical usage, צֹפִים occurs notably in Numbers 23:14, describing a location east of the Jordan where Balaam surveyed the encamped Israelites. The connection to the verb root highlights both the literal function (watching, observing) and the figurative role of heightened awareness or vigilance. The place name likely derives from its elevated position, providing a natural lookout. The semantic field of 'watcher' or 'lookout' might not always imply a formal watchman, but could include anyone engaged in surveying from a height. Later translations, particularly the KJV, sometimes render the place name as 'Zophim,' which obscures the original meaning of the term as 'lookouts.' In later Jewish tradition, the related forms can be used for prophetic or visionary roles, but in the biblical context, the term retains its primary, literal sense.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
plural of active participle of צָפָה; watchers; Tsophim, a place East of the Jordan; Zophim.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
צפה (ts-p-h) — to look out, watch, observe
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H4707 | מִצְפֶּה | the lookout-post |
| H4708 | מִצְפֶּה | to the Watchtower |
| H4709 | מִצְפָּה | in the Watchtower |
| H6822 | צָפָה | I will keep vigilant watch |
| H6823 | צָפָה | overlaid |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6839-01 |
צֹפִ֔ים | tsofim | HVqrmpa |
Zophim | watchers | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6839-01 |
Numbers 23:14 | צֹפִ֔ים | tsofim | HVqrmpa |
Zophim | watchers |